Shri. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of Maharashtra, inaugurated the event in the presence of distinguished guests, including Representative of MSRLM, Shri Ruchesh Jaivanshi, CEO, MSRLM, Shri Parmeshwar Raut, COO, MSRLM, and Shri Raymond D'Souza, CGM, NABARD.
Held annually since 2006 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the Department of Rural Development, Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with UMED-Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM), the Mahalakshmi Saras Mela serves as a crucial platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs), craftspeople, artisans, farmers, and stakeholders to exhibit their products and connect with urban consumers.
“Mahalaxmi Saras Mela exemplifies our commitment to empowering rural artisans. We are proud to be associated with an event that not only provides a marketplace for artisans but also fosters a deeper understanding of India's rich cultural heritage. Through initiatives like these, we aim to bridge the gap between rural artisans and urban consumers, creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving our diverse traditions," stated Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD.
“Each NABARD-supported stall tells a story of our artisans and their efforts in producing beautiful handlooms and handicrafts. NABARD shall continue to provide path-breaking interventions for rural artisans and farmers, and the provision of 49 stalls to them in SARAS Mela is one such example. The participants in SARAS would inspire many other rural inhabitants to come forward and market their products in urban areas,” added Shri Raymond D’Souza, CGM, NABARD.
This year's event features over 500 stalls showcasing a diverse array of products from across India. Notably, NABARD has contributed to the mela's unique offerings, supporting 49 stalls of artisans from different regions. These stalls display products such as Assamese Gamocha, Pochampally sarees, Banarasi sarees, Tangliya products, etc. The apex agriculture bank is assisting approximately 100 rural artisans from Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Off-Farm Producer Organisations (OFPOs) to exhibit their products. The NABARD-assisted artisan group is exhibiting 13 Geographical Indication (GI) certified products.
Recognizing the need to protect dying arts and crafts in rural areas, NABARD has been at the forefront, supporting rural artisans, weavers, farmers, and craftsmen through financial assistance, skilling, market linkages, and infrastructure facilities. As part of its initiatives, NABARD has consistently supported the SARAS Mela for the 2023-24 edition too. Highlighting the importance of GI-tagged products, NABARD ensures that only creative and innovative products make it to the mela, enriching urban consumers with the diversity and uniqueness of these offerings.
The SARAS Mela serves as a vital platform, offering essential exposure for many rural artisans who often lack access to urban markets. This platform enables artisans to gain insights into urban market preferences, fostering adaptability to consumer demands. The exposure also provides artisans with the opportunity to negotiate better prices and explore bulk/corporate orders. NABARD's association with the event creates a unique platform for rural artisans to not only increase their income but also build their brands and gain recognition among urban consumers.
The exhibition will run until January 7th, 2024, and attendees are welcome to visit the stalls between 10 am – 10 pm on all days until the conclusion of the event.
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